The month of May is filled with so many holidays and special occasions. With weddings, graduations, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day all in one month, there is a lot to be celebrated. Of course it will all feel different, since we are in the midst of a global pandemic. But we don’t have to let that stop us from celebrating the ones that we love.
Mother’s Day is a time to appreciate all of the women that have helped shape us. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and other motherly figures are all worthy to be celebrated. What I have learned about myself is that I am more like my mother than I originally thought. We’re really still getting to know each other. I had previously felt like I had more in common with her sister/my aunt. Now I know that there is room in my heart for both of them, and that they will continue to shape me in their own ways. My grandmother was a big influence on me, as well. I still miss her even though she’s been gone for two years now. Yet and still, I will celebrate her as if she were still here. I also have a very special great-aunt that I hold dear to my heart, and many other aunts and great-aunts that I love very much. I know that there is no amount of words that I could ever say to all of these lovely ladies in my life. I just hope to embody a part of each and every one of them as I continue to grow as a woman.
It’s also important to commemorate all fallen soldiers on Memorial Day. I think that we often forget the reason for many holidays, and this one is no different. Some see the occasion as just another three-day weekend. For some, the concept of a weekend is pointless during this time. Especially since the unemployed can’t leave home and essential workers have days of endless work through the weekends and beyond. With doctors and nurses working to combat a global pandemic, hospitals have become war zones in a way. Super markets, fast food restaurants, and gas stations all rely on their workers, even more so now. All of these people are on the frontlines fighting every day, while the world is at its knees. Still, this is just as good a time as any to show compassion and respect to those who have lost their lives serving our country. I’m not the most patriotic person for quite a few reasons, but I feel as though it can’t hurt. Maybe now, we can take the time to appreciate Memorial Day for what it is.
Hopefully this time next year, we’ll be able to fully celebrate all these wonderful things that happen in May. As we wait for the world to return back to normal, we can still appreciate the people that make them special. At our homes and in our hearts.